The latest threat had arrived three days ago.Unlike previous messages, this one demonstrated an intimate knowledge of QuantumSecure’s architecture.They had detailed specific vulnerabilities they claimed to have discovered—vulnerabilities that didn’t exist in the current version but had been present in early development stages.Someone with inside access to his original program had leaked information.Rex’s jaw clenched.It could only be one of two possibilities.An ex-employee with a grudge or a current one who was out to make quick money.That was what angered him the most.He was known as an empathetic, caring employer who went out of his way to help anyone who had fallen into trouble.He paid top-dollar wages to all his employees, from the janitor to executive positions.
The organization, known only as The Consortium, had already attempted to breach several major banks using sophisticated cyber-attacks.The message he received had been clear.Either he collaborated or faced consequences.They had referenced his friends’ past encounters with criminal syndicates, implying Rex would face similar or worse outcomes if he refused to cooperate.That alone was worrying, since he and his friends had taken care to keep a low profile even though they had helped to bring felonious enterprises down.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Rex.You know what happened to me, Jax, and Dexter.Criminals have no filter or stop button.They want something from you...one way or the other, they’re going to get it.I invited Colonel Camden Brett to join us for the opening of your club.I suggest we discuss this matter with him.He has started a covert Delta Force team specializing in violent crimes and white-collar criminal activities.”
Rex wasn’t about to disclose it to Max, but he had already put some countermeasures into motion.His quantum tracking system was quietly mapping The Consortium’s digital footprint through their communication attempts.Each threat they sent revealed more about their network infrastructure.He had identified three potential locations for their operations.One was in Eastern Europe, another in Southeast Asia, and a third, surprisingly, in Montreal.More telling were the timestamps of their activities, suggesting they operated in shifts with a central command.The one location he still hadn’t been able to crack was somewhere in the U.S.He had also embedded untraceable markers in the automated responses to their messages, creating a web of digital breadcrumbs that would help him identify any moles within his organization.The tricky part would be gathering enough evidence without alerting them to his investigation.
“That sounds like a good idea.”Rex acknowledged the reality of his situation.His expertise in cyber warfare meant little against physical threats from international crime syndicates.
The conversation with Max meandered back to the maiden flight of GoldenEye Airbus IV and the club opening.An hour passed before they said their goodbyes.
Rex had barely set down his phone when Vee appeared with a lunch tray.
“I know you’re trying to maintain those impressive muscles of yours with all that protein you gobble up,” she teased, eyeing his broad shoulders, “but even the Incredible Hulk needs some real food once in a while.”She set down a steaming bowl of soup.“I made it myself.My special recipe.”
The aroma hit him first.A complex blend of Mexican chilies, tender chicken, fresh cilantro, and lime.His mother used to make something similar, though hers had included hominy and extra oregano.The memory of Sunday family dinners struck him unexpectedly, bringing a familiar ache to his chest.Six years had passed since her sudden heart attack, but the loss still felt raw at times like these.
“You spoil me, Vee.”Rex lifted a spoonful to his lips, appreciating the flavors dancing on his tongue.The initial heat of the chilies gave way to deeper notes of cumin and garlic, perfectly balanced with a trace of lime.“Magnifique!”
Vee smiled broadly at his praise.“A Dr.Cheri Butler called while you were on the phone with Max.Let me know when you’re ready to return her call.”
Rex sighed, knowing exactly why she had called.Though Cheri, who was as brilliant as she was confident and a cousin to Luke Weston, a good varsity friend, his decision about Xia Foster remained firm.No matter how desperate she was, she wouldn’t be tending bar at Club Decadent Skies.
“Please prepare the contract packages for these candidates.”He handed over a stack of files, each one carefully annotated.“I’ve indicated the position and remuneration on the last page of each application.”
“I’ll have them ready by the end of the day.”
“Once you do, please arrange for each one to come and sign their contracts, and remind them about the mandatory medical certificate to be obtained from our club doctor.I want it done before the end of the week.Without that clearance, they won’t be boarding next weekend.”
“Any additional background checks needed?”As a lifestyle veteran of twenty years, Vee understood the unique security demands and protocols of such an exclusive club.
“No need.I personally reviewed the initial results.They were very detailed.”
“I’ll start on these straightaway.Enjoy your lunch.”She paused at the door.“Oh, yes.What about Dr.Butler?”
“Give me thirty minutes, then call her.”
Rex stared at his soup, but his appetite had diminished as thoughts of Xia Foster invaded his mind again.The decision to reject her application wasn’t sitting well with him.He always reached out a hand to people in need, and the desperation in her quiet voice when she had begged for a chance kept playing on repeat in his mind.She might not have experience running modern high-end bars in exclusive clubs, but with psychology as one of her MBA subjects, and her understanding of the lifestyle’s dynamics, she was uniquely qualified for a position...just not aboard Club Decadent Skies.
She had portrayed a quiet confidence with sharp intelligence vivid in those remarkable topaz eyes.She hadn’t attempted to impress him with her knowledge of BDSM protocols; instead, she had spoken about the lifestyle with a natural ease that came from genuine experience.Adding Cheri’s testimony about her insights in handling emotional situations and maintaining professional boundaries, she had left a particularly lasting impression.
“It’s a pity I don’t have an opening at CyberTech.She’d be a formidable asset to the company.”
Running a hand over his bald head, Rex acknowledged the instant attraction he had felt.
“I can’t ignore that either,” he reminded him of his firm work ethic.“It’s too risky having her onboard as an employee, knowing how badly I want to fuck her.”
As a Dom, he understood the importance of maintaining strict control, both of himself and any situation he entered.The way his body had responded to her was a red flag in working with her.
Club Decadent Skies’ success depended on clear boundaries between staff and management.Though he had no rule against dating club employees from sister Airbuses, his position as owner demanded a higher standard.He couldn’t risk compromising the club’s integrity or his own principles just because he found her irresistibly sexy and fuckable.
Still, as he picked up his spoon again, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be making a mistake.The memory of her subtle perfume and the way her silk blouse had stretched taut over her curves secured his decision.Some risks weren’t worth taking, no matter how tempting.
“But damn it, she’s jobless,” he muttered.His eyes glimmered as a thought flashed through his mind.“Lucky for her, I have the perfect solution.”Picking up his cell phone, he made a call to Axel Sullivan, who was also the owner CEO of Aloha Hotels & Resorts globally.
“Rex,” he answered on the second ring.“I was wondering when you’d call again.”
“Axel, my friend, I have a favor to ask.”
